The simplest form for a liquid is a sphere. The force of surface tension pulls to form an equilibrium shape which is spherical. Look at the shape a bubble forms into! With a planet there are different forces at work, but the same result. Einsteins explanation of relativity explains why bodies in space of great mass form spheres. The fabric of space/time is bent around huge objects. This causes gravity to act uniformly in a sphere. If a rocky planet somehow was made in a cube, there would be tremendous gravitational forces trying to crush it into a sphere! Corey Wood
Another answer:
Above a certain mass and radius, the self-gravity of the object overcomes the yield strength of even the strongest solid materials. The surface may still be irregular, but overburden pressure causes the rocks deep inside to deform until the planet has a stable spherical shape. For solid bodies, that occurs between 200km and 300km radius, depending on the density and strength of the materials. Dwarf planets, moons and asteroids with radii less than 200km may be more potato-shaped. It doesn't really have anything to do with relativity, as the 300km limit can be proven with basic mechanical formulas.
Planets, moons, and stars are round due to gravity. Gravity pulls objects towards their center of mass, causing them to form into a spherical shape. This is the most stable and efficient configuration for large celestial bodies.
Yes, dwarf planets have gravity just like any other astronomical body. Gravity is a fundamental force that exists due to the mass of an object, so all objects with mass, including dwarf planets, have their own gravitational pull.
Planets have different fields of gravity because their mass and size vary. The larger and more massive a planet is, the stronger its gravitational pull will be. The strength of gravity on a planet is determined by its mass and radius.
There is gravity on all planets. The strength of that gravity varies depending on the size and mass of each planet.
No. The surface gravity of a planet depends on its size and mass, not its distance from the sun.
Gravity is the reason all planets are round. The pull of gravity from the sun fought the gravity from whithin a planet to create a round mass.
Planets have gravity because they have mass.
Gravity. It pulls the various parts of the object toward the center. Gravity increases with mass. Extremely massive objects, like planets and the larger asteroids, have enough gravity that the object must assume a roughly spherical shape.
Planets, moons, and stars are round due to gravity. Gravity pulls objects towards their center of mass, causing them to form into a spherical shape. This is the most stable and efficient configuration for large celestial bodies.
All mass produces a gravity field. All planets have mass. Therefore all planets have gravity.
They tend to be round, spherical objects which are visible in space. They have great mass and their own gravity.
No. Planets have gravity as a result of their own mass.
Yes, dwarf planets have gravity just like any other astronomical body. Gravity is a fundamental force that exists due to the mass of an object, so all objects with mass, including dwarf planets, have their own gravitational pull.
Planets with a large amount of mass.
Planets have different fields of gravity because their mass and size vary. The larger and more massive a planet is, the stronger its gravitational pull will be. The strength of gravity on a planet is determined by its mass and radius.
The gravity that keeps the planets in orbit is the sun's gravity, which is a product of the sun's mass.
Yes. It keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.